Short Wave Who Does Science? Under Trump, That Could Change
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Dec 9, 2024 
John Hamilton, an NPR science correspondent, dives into the future of science and immigration under the Trump administration. He reveals how proposed H-1B visa restrictions could lead to a brain drain, pushing top foreign scientists to seek opportunities elsewhere. Hamilton discusses the vital role foreign-born researchers play in the U.S. science landscape and the broader implications of tightening immigration policies. Personal stories highlight the challenges faced by scientists, emphasizing a troubling shift in the academic and research communities.
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Trump's Stance on H-1B Visas
- Trump's administration aimed to make H-1B visas harder to get.
- He viewed these visas as replacing American workers with cheaper foreign labor.
Brain Drain Example
- Raimundo Baez Mendoza, a brain scientist, left the U.S. for Germany due to visa issues and a hostile environment.
- He was working at Harvard under an H-1B visa but found better opportunities in the EU.
Another Scientist's Visa Concerns
- Laili Mortazavi, an Iranian-born scientist, faced visa challenges while studying at Stanford.
- She is now considering job opportunities outside the U.S. due to uncertain immigration policies.